From the start four riders created a gap. Team Jumbo-Visma kept the leaders out of the wind and positioned themselves in front when necessary. On the last climb Van Moer rode away solo from his breakaway companions to be able to put his hands in the air at the finish line. The Team Jumbo-Visma leaders finished in the depleted peloton and had a trouble-free day.

“The goal was to get through this stage well and not lose any time”, sports director Grischa Niermann said. Sepp and Steven crossed the finish line in the peloton, so that worked out well. Although we have quite a fast rider in Timo Roosen, this stage was too difficult for him.”

Kruijswijk showed himself in the front in the final, next to the men of Ineos. A sign that the Dutchman is feeling good. “Most guys come from training, so it’s about getting used to racing in a peloton again”, Niermann continued. “We are here partly to prepare for the Tour, but also to see where our riders are at the moment. It is clear that we hope to go with the best in the race, even though we are not the top favourite. We’ll know more tomorrow”, Niermann said, referring to the tough stage that awaits the peloton.